Russia has launched a fresh verbal assault on attempts by European nations and Ukraine to modify American proposals aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, claiming the suggested changes could hinder peace efforts. The criticism comes as negotiators for former US President Donald Trump engage in discussions with a Russian envoy in Miami, signalling a potential diplomatic push.
Kremlin Dismisses European Amendments
Vladimir Putin's senior foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, addressed journalists on Sunday, casting doubt on the value of the proposed European and Ukrainian adjustments to Washington's original peace blueprint. "I am sure that the proposals that the Europeans and Ukrainians have made or are trying to make definitely do not improve the document and do not improve the possibility of achieving long-term peace," Ushakov stated. He clarified that his remarks were based on general knowledge of the amendments rather than a detailed review, describing them as "not a forecast."
This diplomatic friction unfolds against a backdrop of continued violence on the ground. Ukrainian military officials reported combat in the village of Grabovske, located in the northeastern Sumy region, where forces are resisting a Russian offensive. They denied Russian claims of capturing the nearby settlement of Ryasne. In a concerning development, Ukraine's human rights ombudsman alleged that Russian troops had forcibly relocated approximately 50 people from Grabovske into Russian territory.
Miami Talks and Divergent Aims
Parallel to the public criticism, a separate channel of communication appears active. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, leading negotiators for Donald Trump, are holding talks in Miami with Russia's envoy, Kirill Dmitriev. The American side reportedly believes a peace agreement may be within reach. Dmitriev characterised Saturday's discussions as "constructive," with plans to continue on Sunday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated he might join the negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that diplomatic efforts were advancing "quite quickly," confirming his team in Florida was collaborating with American counterparts. Zelenskyy expressed support for a US suggestion of three-way talks involving Washington and Moscow, provided they facilitated prisoner swaps and met other conditions. However, Ushakov downplayed this, stating such a proposal had not been seriously considered.
These manoeuvres occur as US intelligence assessments, cited by Reuters, maintain that Putin's ultimate goals extend beyond Ukraine. The intelligence suggests he remains intent on seizing the entire country and reclaiming other territories that were part of the former Soviet Union. Putin's recent rhetoric, including labelling European leaders as "little pigs" and vowing to achieve Russia's objectives "through diplomacy or force," underscores the entrenched positions.
Broader Context and Military Actions
The renewed diplomatic activity follows a significant pledge of support from the European Union. On Friday, EU leaders agreed to supply €90 billion to bolster Ukraine's economy and military in the lead-up to the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. In response, Putin extended a seeming olive branch, expressing openness to talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Élysée Palace welcomed this, stating, "As soon as the prospect of a ceasefire and peace negotiations becomes clearer, it becomes useful again to speak with Putin."
Meanwhile, the war continues to escalate in scope. Ukraine's military general staff reported on Saturday that its drones struck an oil rig and other facilities at Russia's Filanovsky field in the Caspian Sea. The target lies over 700km (435 miles) from the nearest Ukrainian border, demonstrating Kyiv's ability to project force deep into Russian-controlled areas.
The human cost of the conflict remains starkly visible. In the Ukrainian city of Druzhkivka on Sunday, a woman was photographed clearing debris from a path following a Russian shelling of a residential area, a poignant reminder of the war's daily impact on civilians.
